The Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health for New Brunswick is advising residents about the potential health risks of blue-green algae.
Dr. Jennifer Russell says it can produce a toxin harmful to people, pets and livestock.
“When this toxin is produced by the blue-green algae, it can cause skin, eye and throat irritation and can lead to more serious health effects such as gastrointestinal illness if it’s consumed,” says Dr. Russell.
She adds while the Department of Health encourages New Brunswickers to get active and spend time outside this summer, if they are heading to bodies of water, they should be cautious and check for blue-green algae.
Dr. Russell adds young children and those with skin conditions may be particularly sensitive to blue-green algae.
Fish caught from water where blue-green algal blooms are present should have all their organs removed and be rinsed well with clean water before cooking and eating.
As well, you should not drink any water if blue-green algae is present, and even boiling the water will not remove the toxin.
Suspected algae blooms should be reported to the Department of Environment and Local Government.
More information can be found HERE
